Recall - Aluminum Wheels Cracking: Overview
June 2003Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. C21 - Aluminum Wheels
Models
2003 (DR) Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Pick-up Trucks
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above trucks equipped with aluminum wheels (Sales Code WD3) built at the Saltillo Assembly Plant ("G" in the 11th VIN Position) from March 24, 2003 through April 7, 2003 (MDH 0324XX through 040717)
IMPORTANT:
Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been exchided from this recall.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
The aluminum wheels on about 1,000 of the above trucks may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack. This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident without warning.
Repair
The aluminum wheel build codes must be inspected. Wheels that were cast in the affected mold during the suspect period must be replaced.
Alternate Transportion
Dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle if inspection determines that wheel replacement(s) is required and the vehicle must be held overnight.
Parts Information
Due to the small number of involved vehicles expected to require wheel replacement, no parts will be distributed initially. Wheel assemblies should be ordered only after inspection determines that replacement is required. Very few vehicles are expected to require wheel replacement.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances shown.
Add the cost of the wheel(s), if necessary, plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions
Parts Return
Not required. However, all removed wheels MUST be damaged or have a hole drilled in the air section to insure that the old wheels do not get installed on any other vehicle.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by DMAIL and by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS. DealerCONNECT and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
Involved dealers were also mailed a copy of their vehicle (VIN) list with the dealer recall notification letter.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation